Fort Hays State University's Western Kansas String Academy will offer three activities for string players this summer.
Classes and ensembles are open to violin, viola, cello and string bass players of all ages and abilities.

Fiddling, Jazz and Mariachi Camp, alternative strings, will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon from June 19-30. The first session, June 19-23, will focus on fiddling styles. The second session, June 26-30, will focus on jazz and blues.

Students are invited to rosin up their bows and dive into the world of non-classical music for string players. They will explore Mariachi music, experiment with electric instruments, will be taught new left- and right-hand techniques for creating authentic sounds as well as improvisation and "playing by ear" skills.

At the end of each session, students will perform for parents and guests. They will also have an opportunity to perform at the Hays Wild West Fest, June 30, and at the Hays Gallery Walk, Aug. 25.

The camp is sponsored in part by the Mockingbird Foundation, Yamaha Strings and Knilling Violins.

Registration deadline is June 8; cost is $35 for one session and $50 for both sessions.
Summer String Orchestra will be offered on Monday afternoons in July. Students will explore fun and exciting music at a fast pace in either a beginner level, from
1 to 2 p.m., or at an intermediate level from 2 to 3 p.m.
Ensembles will play from a variety of challenging pieces in a relaxed, informal atmosphere and will conclude with a final concert for parents and friends.
Shelly Wolf, WKSA staff member, will be the string orchestra director.
Registration deadline is July 1; cost is $15.
Beginning Adult Violin Class will be offered to adults who have always wanted to play but never had the chance. Group classes will meet Thursday evenings in July from 7 to 8 p.m. and will be supplemented by four half-hour private lessons scheduled independently with the instructor.

Participants will explore the violin in a four-week course by learning how to hold the instrument properly and begin playing songs.
Violins will be available for loan over the duration of the class on a first-come, first- served basis.
Lianne Zwenger, WKSA staff member, will teach the class.
Registration deadline is July 1; cost is $35.
For more information, a camp brochure or to register, contact Cathy Drabkin at (785) 623-4187 or e-mail cadrabkin@fhsu.edu or call the FHSU Music Department at (785) 628-4533.